EXCITEMENT is building for the return of Cumbrian cricket which will include the county’s first ever competitive floodlit T20 match.

Carlisle and Cockermouth cricket clubs will face off on Friday June 25 at Edenside.

Sponsor Sunbelt Rentals are providing high quality floodlighting at the Carlisle Cricket Club ground for the anticipated match.

The event will feature external bars, a BBQ, live music and entertainment.

Newly appointed Carlisle captain and club professional Michael Slack said: "I’m delighted to be captaining the club this season and in particular this inaugural floodlit T20 match.

"This post lockdown event is something for the club and all its members to look forward to."

For cricket fans and players, it is a welcome return to Edenside and a taste of normality after lockdown. Slack said: “I’m anticipating an entertaining evening in what should be a great game against a very strong Cockermouth side.”

Cockermouth are equally excited for their T20 away game, skipper Gareth White said: “I can safely say that Cockermouth are delighted to have been chosen by Carlisle to play in this unique and exciting fixture.

White said: “Carlisle are a fantastically run club and this game will be well-organised and well-received by the general public.

“After an incredibly tough twelve months, all aspects of society are looking forward to the easing of lockdown and this date, given its timing, comes perfectly at the end of these necessary restrictions and will give people in the cricketing and wider community something really positive and exciting to look forward to”

Carlisle secretary Mark Davidson said: "The club is delighted to be hosting this first ever floodlit cup match at Edenside in June.

"Everyone has endured such difficult times over the past twelve months and we hope that events like this will put a smile back on the faces of our members and supporters."

He said: “We’re optimistic of a full season of cricket throughout the county this year as we make preparations both on and off the field at Carlisle.”

Carlisle will also host a three day National County Cricket Championship match starting Sunday July 25, between Cumbria County Cricket Club and Northumberland County Cricket Club, play begins at 11 am each day.

The Cumbria Cricket League season has been pushed back to begin on May 1. First up will be Premier League Champions, Carlisle versus Wigton, while 2018 Champions Cockermouth start their campaign at home against Millom.